Compare Lamictal vs. Propranolol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

Prevents seizures and stabilizes mood. Lamictal (Lamotrigine) is most useful for treating severe seizure disorders, and for bipolar disorder with more depression symptoms than manic symptoms. Just be careful to increase your dose slowly to avoid skin rash.

Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate. Inderal (Propranolol) is good for treating many heart problems and other problems in the body, but it has more side effects than other beta blockers. You can't miss doses.

Find lowest prices

Save on your next prescription. Be sure you’re getting the lowest price for your medication, even if you have insurance.

The free Iodine Start program helps people track how well they are improving, and find the right antidepressant faster.

The free Iodine Start program (personal reports and coaching) is currently only for antidepressants. For now, you can read our pharmacist info about this medication.Learn more about Lamictal (Lamotrigine) ›

The free Iodine Start program (personal reports and coaching) is currently only for antidepressants. For now, you can read our pharmacist info about this medication.Learn more about Inderal (Propranolol) ›

› Cases of heart failure due to taking Inderal (Propranolol) have been reported. Tell your doctor if you noticed increased swelling around your legs or ankles, sudden weight gain or sudden shortness of breath as these may be symptoms of heart failure.

Upsides and benefits

Lamictal

Propranolol

› Effective at lowering the frequency of seizures in people with epilepsy or Lennox-Gestaut syndrome. Typically used together with other medications for severe seizure disorders.

› Works best for partial, tonic-clonic, and absence seizures.

› A first-line treatment for bipolar disorder. Effective long-term treatment for stabilizing mood. Prevents both depressive and manic episodes, but the effect is greater for preventing depression.

› Also treats and prevents many non-heart problems, such as tremors, anxiety, migraines, and liver disease symptoms.

Downsides and risks

Lamictal

Propranolol

› Can cause double vision, dizziness, sleepiness, and headache.

› Has the risk of a rare but life-threatening rash.

› Can make hormonal birth control less effective.

› Might be less effective than other medicines for treating manic episodes (acute mania) in people with bipolar disorder.

› Taking a beta blocker might make you feel more tired or out of breath during exercise or normal daily routines. This gets better for most people, but for some might not go away.

› Has more side effects than some beta blockers because it crosses into the brain and central nervous system.

› Not a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure according to the latest guidelines, except if you have heart failure or heart disease. As a second choice, your doctor might add it to medicines you're already taking if your blood pressure is still too high.

› Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar if you're diabetic.

› You can't miss doses. Stopping Propranolol suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.